On Dvd

‘The Executioner’ Forges the Missing Link Between Preston Sturges and Robert Altman

‘The Executioner’ Forges the Missing Link Between Preston Sturges and Robert Altman

This excellent satire is shot in long, elaborately staged takes where the camera alternately basks in claustrophobia or wanders all over the landscape.
I’m Going to Kill You: ‘Johnny Guitar’ Gets the Class Treatment

I’m Going to Kill You: ‘Johnny Guitar’ Gets the Class Treatment

One tends to watch this film open-mouthed in wonder at the forceful dialogue, the colorful imagery, and the sheer emotional punch of its women.
Unexpected Deaths and Hideous Trousers in ‘Kamikaze 89’

Unexpected Deaths and Hideous Trousers in ‘Kamikaze 89’

Rainer Werner Fassbinder is the whole show.
Criterion Draws Fresh Restorations From Welles With ‘Chimes at Midnight’ and ‘The Immortal Story’

Criterion Draws Fresh Restorations From Welles With ‘Chimes at Midnight’ and ‘The Immortal Story’

In his late period, Orson Welles was just getting started.
Make Something Called ‘Cat People’, and Make It Cheap

Make Something Called ‘Cat People’, and Make It Cheap

Val Lewton turned a B assignment into a spooky classic about a woman's fear of her own sexuality.
Guys & Dolls & Stiffs in ‘Stop, You’re Killing Me’

Guys & Dolls & Stiffs in ‘Stop, You’re Killing Me’

A slight case of murder gets even slighter in this '50s remake.
She Did It Her Way: ‘Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words’

She Did It Her Way: ‘Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words’

Home-movies show us the real star as Bergman's children tell us about their real mother.
Fritz Lang Shows His Hand With ‘The Spiders’ and ‘Destiny’

Fritz Lang Shows His Hand With ‘The Spiders’ and ‘Destiny’

From playing with Death to finding a lost Incan civilisation, these two silents are bursting with adventure and intrigue.
A Gaggle of Ghosts, a Brace of Bamboo, ‘A Touch of Zen’

A Gaggle of Ghosts, a Brace of Bamboo, ‘A Touch of Zen’

King Hu's martial arts masterpiece is a long, moody, beautiful, unpredictable film.
‘The Daughter of Dawn’ Is a Rare Native American Romance

‘The Daughter of Dawn’ Is a Rare Native American Romance

The Comanches are the bad guys; the Kiowas are the good guys, and love conquers all in this previously lost film from the '20s.

That’s Keaton, Buster: The Complete Silent Shorts

’99 River Street’ Feints and Punches

’99 River Street’ Feints and Punches

This noir throws several clever misdirections at the viewer.